CN117276997A - Electric coupling device - Google Patents

Electric coupling device Download PDF

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Publication number
CN117276997A
CN117276997A CN202310728620.6A CN202310728620A CN117276997A CN 117276997 A CN117276997 A CN 117276997A CN 202310728620 A CN202310728620 A CN 202310728620A CN 117276997 A CN117276997 A CN 117276997A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
connector portion
coupling device
bracket
plate
bus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN202310728620.6A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
R·施奈德
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Interplex Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Interplex Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interplex Industries Inc filed Critical Interplex Industries Inc
Publication of CN117276997A publication Critical patent/CN117276997A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R35/00—Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
    • H01R35/04—Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/516—Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing, hoods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/10—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
    • B60L53/14—Conductive energy transfer
    • B60L53/16—Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/30—Constructional details of charging stations
    • B60L53/35—Means for automatic or assisted adjustment of the relative position of charging devices and vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
    • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
    • H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
    • H01R13/2414—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means conductive elastomers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/422—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
    • H01R13/4223—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means comprising integral flexible contact retaining fingers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • H01R13/6315—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/0045—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

An electrical coupling device, in particular a coupling device having a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion includes a first bus plate held in the first housing, and the second connector portion includes a second bus plate held in the second housing. The first and second bus plates may be ring-shaped and connected to the electrical conductors, respectively. The universal joint helps to connect the second connector portion to a bracket that is movable by the elevator. The universal joint is operable to allow the second connector portion to pivot about a plurality of axes relative to the bracket. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to be coupled together to electrically connect the first bus plate to the second bus plate.

Description

Electric coupling device
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present application claims priority from U.S. patent application No. 63/354,139, filed on day 21, 6, 2022, in 35u.s.c. ≡119 (e), which is incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an electrical coupling device for connecting electronic and/or electrical components having multiple current paths.
Background
In an electronic system, it is often necessary to establish electrical connections between the various components of the system. In some cases, the components to be connected together have multiple current paths. The plurality of current paths may be low voltage data signals and/or power flows. Connectors for multipath components (i.e., multipath connectors) are typically plug and socket connections, which are difficult and therefore expensive to manufacture. In addition, conventional multipath connectors tend to be subject to wear and are unable to accommodate misalignment of the components being connected together. More specifically, conventional multipath connectors generally do not accommodate angular misalignment, i.e., the various components of the conventional multipath connector must be in a particular angular position relative to one another in order to be connected together. However, in some applications it is desirable to connect the components together regardless of the angular orientation of the components relative to each other.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an improved electrical coupling device for electrically connecting multipath components together.
Disclosure of Invention
Disclosed is a coupling (coupling ) device having a first connector portion and a second connector portion and a bracket having a main board. The first connector portion includes a plurality of arc-shaped first bus plates (bus bars ) arranged (arrayed, arranged) concentrically and a first housing that holds the first bus plates. The second connector portion includes a plurality of arc-shaped second bus plates arranged concentrically and a second housing accommodating the second bus plates. A universal joint is secured to the second connector portion and assists in connecting the second connector portion to the bracket. The universal joint is operable to allow the second connector portion to pivot (rotate, swivel) about a plurality of axes relative to the bracket. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to be coupled together to electrically connect (electrically connect) the first bus plate to the second bus plate.
Drawings
The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
FIG. 1 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a coupling device having a first connector portion and a second connector portion;
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the first connector portion of the coupling device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of portions of the first connector portion of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of a hub of a lower shell of the housing of the first connector portion of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of portions of the second connector portion of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of portions of the second connector portion of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the second connector portion and the first connector portion when connected together;
FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the floating cage spaced from the sled and the pallet, both of which are components of the coupling device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the floating cage of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of an assembly with a floating cage, a slide plate and a pallet attached to a bracket;
FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 10; and
fig. 12-17 show side cross-sectional views of various stages of a first connector portion and a second connector portion being connected together using an elevator.
Detailed Description
It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, like parts have like reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that for clarity and conciseness, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the disclosure may be shown in somewhat schematic form.
Referring now to fig. 1, there is shown a coupling device 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The coupling device 10 generally includes an upper or first connector portion 12, the upper or first connector portion 12 being configured for connection to a lower or second connector portion 14, the lower or second connector portion 14 being movably connected to a bracket 18 by a buoyancy cage 20. The first connector portion 12 is connected to the conductor 22 and the second connector portion 14 is connected to the conductor 24. Thus, when the first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14 are connected together, the respective conductors 22 are electrically connected (electrically connected) to the respective conductors 24, respectively. Conductors 22, 24 may carry power and/or data signals, as described below.
For ease of description, the various components of the coupling device 10 may be described in terms of X, Y, Z spatial coordinates, which are as follows: the X-axis extends in the direction of conductors 22, 24; the Y-axis extends through the first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14; and the Z-axis extends between the flanges 165 of the bracket 18.
Referring now also to fig. 2-4, the first connector portion 12 includes a plastic housing 30, which housing 30 may have an upper shell 32 connected to a lower shell 34. The lower shell 34 has a main plate 36, and concentric ring structures 38, 40 are coupled to the main plate 36 and extend outwardly from the main plate 36. In the embodiment shown, there are three structures 38 and two structures 40; however, a different number of these structures may be used. Both structures 38 have double walls to define an interior space therebetween, while both structures 40 have single walls. In the illustrated embodiment, two structures 40 surround structure 38 (with structure 38 enclosed therebetween). The structures 38, 40 have different diameters and are separated by an annular space 44. Within each space 44, a series of grooves 42 and accompanying openings are circumferentially arranged (arrayed, routed) and extend through motherboard 36. An enlarged central opening 46 extends through main plate 36. A cylindrical hub 50 is coupled to main plate 36 about central opening 46 and defines an interior void 51. Within the cavity 51, a plurality of ribs 52 extend radially inward and are spaced apart. As shown in fig. 4, the bottom end portions of the ribs 52 are beveled or chamfered.
A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 58 having a plurality of internal conductive traces is disposed between the upper and lower shells 32, 34. A plurality of concentric annular bus plates (bus bars, buss bars) 60 are disposed in the annular space 44 of the lower housing 34, respectively, and are mechanically and electrically connected to the PCB 58 through openings in the main plate 36 of the lower housing 34. Each of the buss plates 60 is formed of a conductive metal such as copper or copper alloy and is electrically connected (e.g., by a wire in the PCB 58) to one of the conductors 22. Further, each of the bus plates 60 has a plurality of contacts 62 integrally coupled to the bus plate 60. Each contact 62 is cantilever-coupled to a corresponding bus plate 60 and has a downwardly projecting head 64, the head 64 being formed by a V-shaped bend in the contact 62. In addition, each head 64 is aligned with a groove 42 in the motherboard 36 to allow the head 64 to resiliently retract into the groove 42 when in contact with a corresponding bus plate 100 in the second connector portion 14 (as discussed more fully below). A plurality of posts 66 are secured in openings in the PCB 58 and are connected to traces in the PCB 58.
The elastomeric sleeve 68 is mechanically and electrically connected to the PCB 58 and extends downwardly through the central opening 46 of the main plate 36 and into the hollow 51 of the hub 50. The sleeve 68 is formed of a conductive metal such as copper or a copper alloy and includes a collar 70, the collar 70 having an almost completely closed circumference so as to have a substantially annular shape. A plurality of legs 72 are integrally coupled to the collar 70 and extend downwardly and inwardly from the collar 70. The legs 72 are spaced apart and have lower portions that curve outwardly so that the sleeve 68 has a flared (everted) lower end that is open. A plurality of posts 74 are also coupled to the collar 70 and extend upwardly from the collar 70. The posts 74 are aligned with the legs 72 and are secured in openings in the PCB 58 and are electrically connected to one of the conductors 22a by a wire in the PCB 58. The conductor 22a to which the post 74 is connected may be a ground conductor. Within the hub 50, the legs 72 of the sleeve 68 are disposed in the spaces between the ribs 52.
Referring now to fig. 1 and 5-7, views of the major components of the second connector portion 14 are shown. In general, the second connector portion 14 includes a plastic housing 80, which plastic housing 80 may have an upper shell 82 connected to a lower shell 84. The upper shell 82 includes interconnected concentric annular structures 86, 88 and a central hub 90. As shown in fig. 7, each structure 86 has a stepped configuration with a horizontal pedal coupled between a pair of vertical risers. Each structure 88 is a vertical wall joined by a bottom wall to one or more lower vertical plates of one or more adjacent structures 86. Hub 90 is spaced radially inward from structures 86, 88.
A plurality of concentric annular bus plates 100 are disposed on the pedals of the structure 86, respectively, and are mechanically and electrically connected to the conductors 24, which conductors 24 extend into the rectangular portion of the lower housing 84. Each busbar 100 is formed of a conductive metal such as copper or copper alloy and is electrically connected to one of the conductors 24 by a tab 98. As will be discussed more fully below, the bus plate 100 forms an electrical connection with the contacts 62 of the bus plate 60 of the first connector portion 12 when the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are connected together.
The sleeve 104 is mounted on the hub 90 of the upper housing 82. The sleeve 104 is formed of a conductive metal such as copper or a copper alloy and includes a hollow cylindrical body 106, the body 106 being bonded between a pair of outwardly extending wings 108. The body 106 of the sleeve 104 fits tightly over the hub 90 and one of the wings 108 is electrically connected to one of the conductors 24 a. The conductor 24a to which the jacket 104 is connected may be a ground conductor. The body 106 has a chamfered upper end. As will be described more fully below, when the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are connected together, the mounting core 105 (including the sleeve 104 and the hub 90) is received in the sleeve 68 of the first connector portion 12.
The universal joint 110 is secured to the second connector portion 14 and is operable to allow the second connector portion 14 to pivot (rotate) about X, Y and the Z-axis relative to the bracket 18. The universal joint 110 includes a socket member 112 movably secured to a ball member 114. The socket member 112 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and an inner spherical socket. The spherical ball of the ball member 114 is movably caught in the socket. Socket member 112 is secured within hub 90 and ball member 114 is secured to slide 120 by threaded screw 122. The socket 112, hub 90 and casing 104 form a mounting core 105.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the sled 120 is circular and has a raised top rail 124, the top rail 124 bracketing a central opening 125 through which the screw 122 extends when the screw 122 is threadably secured within the threaded bore of the ball head 114 of the universal joint 110. When the screw 122 is threaded into the ball head 114, the top rail 124 prevents the universal joint 110 from rotating. The sled 120 is captured between the float cage 20 and the support 18. The pad 126 may be disposed between the sled 120 and the carriage 18. The pad 126 has an enlarged central opening so that it can freely slide horizontally. The pad 126 helps reduce friction between the sled 120 and the carriage 18.
Referring now also to fig. 9-11, the top side of the floating cage 20 has a plurality of vertical spring beams 128 and the bottom side has a plurality of horizontal spring beams 130, a plurality of standoffs 132, and a plurality of fasteners 134. The vertical spring beams 128, horizontal spring beams 130, brackets 132, and fasteners 134 may be stamped from the main plate 135 of the cage 20. The stamping of the horizontal spring beam 130 and the support 132 forms an opening 136.
Each horizontal spring beam 130 includes a horizontal body bonded to the main plate 135 at a bend. The hook-like engagement portion 138 is joined to the body at a bend so as to extend inwardly toward a central opening 140 of the main plate 135. The engagement portion 138 is not attached to the main plate 135 and can be elastically moved outward. The horizontal spring beams 130 are annularly arranged about the central opening 140 to define a generally circular region 144 coaxial with the central opening 140. The slide plate 120 (and the pad 126) is disposed in this region 144 such that the rounded curved portion of the engagement portion 138 abuts the outer periphery of the slide plate 120. As will be described more fully below, when the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are engaged with each other and the second connector portion 14 is moved, the sled 120 may move horizontally (in the X-Z plane) against the bias of the horizontal spring beams 130. When the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are later separated from each other, the bias of the horizontal spring beam 130 moves the slide plate 120 so that it is re-centered so as to be coaxial with the central opening 140.
Each vertical spring beam 128 is cantilevered to and inclined upwardly from a lug on the perimeter of the main plate 135. The free ends of the vertical spring beams are bent to form the engagement portions 144. The vertical spring beams 128 are arranged in a spaced apart manner around the circumference of the main plate 135 and are resiliently deflectable in a vertical direction. When the second connector portion 14 is in the horizontal position, the engagement portion 144 abuts the flat bottom surface of the lower housing 84 of the second connector portion 14. As will be described more fully below, when the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are engaged with one another and the second connector portion 14 is moved, the second connector portion 14 may be tilted such that the bottom surface of the lower housing 84 moves out of the X-Z plane so as to no longer be parallel with the stand 18. As such, the lower shell 84 will deflect the vertical spring beams 128 downwardly against the bias of the vertical spring beams 128. When the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are later separated from each other, the biasing of the downwardly deflected vertical spring beams 128 moves the second connector portion 14 so that the bottom surface of the lower housing 84 moves back to be parallel with the bracket 18.
The standoffs 132 and fasteners 134 also extend downwardly from the main plate 135. The standoffs 132 abut the base plate 156 of the bracket 18 and ensure that the main plate 135 of the cage 20 is spaced above the base plate 156 of the bracket 18 a sufficient distance to allow the sled 120 and the pad 126 to slide freely on the base plate 156. Each fastener 134 is generally L-shaped and includes a vertical leg joined at approximately a right angle to a foot 158, the foot 158 having an aperture extending therethrough. The legs of the fastener 134 extend through the grooves 160 in the base plate 156 to position the upper surfaces of the feet 158 against the bottom surface of the base plate 156. The bottom surface of the base plate 156 has protruding bumps (dots) 164 protruding therefrom, these bumps 164 being pressed through holes in the legs 158, respectively, to secure the legs 158 to the base plate 156. In this manner, the fasteners 134 secure the floating cage 20 to the frame 18.
In addition to having grooves 160, the base plate 156 of the bracket 18 also includes a central opening 162, which central opening 162 can receive the head of a screw 122 that secures the gimbal 110 to the slide plate 120.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that securing the gimbal 110 to the slide plate 120 and capturing the slide plate 120 between the cage 20 and the bracket 18, the second connector portion 14 is movably attached to the bracket 18.
The base plate 156 is bonded between a pair of downwardly extending flanges 165. Flange 165 may be connected to elevator 200 (shown in fig. 12-17) by pin 170, and elevator 200 may be operable to vertically move bracket 18 and second connector portion 14 mounted thereon. The lift 200 may be a scissor lift having a plurality of arms coupled together by pivot joints and may be driven electrically or hydraulically.
Referring now to fig. 12-17, the operation of the coupling device 10 will now be described. In fig. 12, the first connector portion 12 is spaced above the second connector portion 14, and the second connector portion 14 is secured to the elevator 200 by the bracket 18. The first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14 are offset in the X direction, and may also be offset in the Z direction. Further, the first connector portion 12 is inclined with respect to the second connector portion 14. As shown in fig. 13, the elevator 200 is activated to move the second connector portion 14 upwardly to a position very close to or just in contact with the first connector portion 12. In this position, the chamfered upper surface of the mounting core 105 barely coincides with the chamfered bottom end portion of the rib 52 of the hub 50 on the left side in the X direction. The elevator 200 continues to move the second connector portion 14 upward, which causes the chamfered upper surface of the mounting core 105 to slide onto the sloped bottom end portion of the rib 52 (on the left side), which applies a force (directed to the right) to the mounting core 105, thereby causing the slide plate 20 and the rest of the second connector portion 14 to move rightward, as viewed in fig. 14. Continued upward movement of the elevator 200 applies a downward force to the left side of the mounting core 105, thereby pivoting the mounting core 105 and the remainder of the second connector portion 14 to the left about the ball head member 114 of the universal joint 110, as shown in fig. 15. This downward pivoting deflects the one or more vertical spring beams 128 on the left side of the coupling device 10 and spaces the one or more vertical spring beams 128 on the right side of the coupling device 10 from the bottom surface of the lower housing 84 of the second connector portion 14.
The second connector portion 14 continues to pivot until the second connector portion 14 is tilted at the same angle as the first connector portion 12 and in other words is aligned with the first connector portion 12, as shown in fig. 16. For example, the bus plate 60 of the first connector portion 12 is now aligned with the bus plate 100 of the second connector portion 14, the interior space of the structure 38 of the first connector portion 12 is now aligned with the structure 88 of the second connector portion 14, and the hub 50 of the first connector portion 12 is coaxial with the mounting core 105 of the second connector portion 14. The elevator 200 continues to move upward until the first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14 are fully connected, as shown in fig. 17, whereby the contacts 62 of the bus plate 60 are pressed against the bus plate 100 to form an electrical connection with the bus plate 100, the structures 88 are disposed within the structures 38, respectively, and the mounting cores 105 are disposed within the sleeves 68 and electrically connected with the sleeves 68.
When the first and second connector portions 12, 14 are connected together as described above, the sleeve 68 is electrically connected to the housing 104, thereby electrically connecting the conductor 22a to the conductor 24a, which may establish a ground path through the coupling device 10. Further, the bus plate 60 of the first connector portion 12 is electrically connected to the bus plate 100 of the second connector portion 14, thereby connecting the other conductors 22 to the other conductors 24, respectively.
The coupling device 10 is particularly suited for applications where the first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14 need to be connected together when in any angular position relative to each other. One such application is the use of the coupling device 10 in a battery charging system for an electric vehicle. In such a system, the first connector portion 12 may be mounted at the bottom of the electric vehicle and electrically connected with the battery unit of the vehicle, while the second connector portion 14 may be mounted on the docking structure of the charging station. In this regard, the bracket 18 and the lift 200 may be part of a docking structure and may be connected to the second connector portion 14 by the cage 20 and the sled 120. The vehicle may be maneuvered to position the first connector portion 12 over the second connector portion 14. The docking structure is then moved to connect the second connector portion 14 to the first connector portion 12. A force sensor (a control system connected to the charging station) may be used to control the movement of the docking structure to ensure proper connection of the first connector portion 12 and the second connector portion 14. In addition, a force sensor may be used to detect whether the vehicle is moving during use (e.g., a person entering/exiting the car while the vehicle is charging), the force sensor signals the charging station to dynamically adjust the height of the docking structure to maintain contact, or to prevent damage from over-compression.
It should be understood that the description of the above exemplary embodiments is illustrative only and not exhaustive. Those of ordinary skill will be able to make certain additions, deletions, and/or modifications to the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or its scope.

Claims (20)

1. A coupling device, comprising:
a first connector portion, the first connector portion comprising:
a plurality of concentrically arranged arcuate first bus plates; and
a first housing holding the first bus plate;
a second connector portion comprising:
a plurality of arc-shaped second bus plates arranged concentrically; and
a second housing holding the second bus plate;
a bracket having a main board;
a universal joint secured to the second connector portion and assisting in connecting the second connector portion to the bracket, the universal joint being operable to allow the second connector portion to pivot about a plurality of axes relative to the bracket; and is also provided with
Wherein the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to be coupled together to electrically connect the first bus plate to the second bus plate.
2. The coupling device of claim 1, further comprising:
a floating cage that helps connect the gimbal to the bracket so that the gimbal can move vertically and horizontally relative to the bracket, the floating cage having a base plate.
3. The coupling device of claim 2, further comprising a sled secured to the gimbal, the sled captured between a base plate of the cage and a main plate of the bracket, the sled being horizontally and vertically movable.
4. A coupling device according to claim 3, wherein the cage biases the gimbal to a horizontally centered position.
5. The coupling device of claim 4, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of first spring structures connected to the base plate and operable to bias the sled and the gimbal toward the centered position.
6. The coupling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sled is circular, and wherein the first spring structure has an engagement portion that presses against an outer circumference of the sled.
7. The coupling device of claim 5, wherein the floating cage further comprises a plurality of second spring structures connected to the base plate and operable to bias the second connector portion to a horizontal position.
8. The coupling device of claim 7, wherein the second spring structure is inclined upward to a curved engagement portion;
wherein the second spring structure is capable of elastically deflecting in a vertical direction;
wherein when the second connector portions are in a horizontal position, all engagement portions of the second spring structures are in contact with the bottom wall of the second housing, and when the second connector portions are moved to an inclined position, at least one of the second spring structures is deflected downward and at least one of the engagement portions of the second spring structures is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the second housing.
9. The coupling device of claim 7, wherein the floating cage further comprises a plurality of standoffs for spacing the base plate above a main plate of the bracket to allow the sled to move vertically and horizontally; and is also provided with
Wherein the first spring structure and the support are located at a bottom side of the substrate and the second spring structure is located at a top side of the substrate.
10. The coupling device of claim 9, wherein the first spring structure, the mount, and the second spring structure are stamped from the substrate.
11. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the universal joint is operable to allow the second connector portion to pivot about at least three axes relative to the bracket, and wherein the universal joint is movable vertically and horizontally relative to the bracket.
12. The coupling device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrical first conductors and a plurality of electrical second conductors;
wherein each of the first bus plates is electrically connected to one of the first conductors, and each of the second bus plates is electrically connected to one of the second conductors;
wherein the first connector portion further comprises a conductive sleeve electrically connected to a specific one of the first conductors;
wherein the second connector portion further comprises a conductive mounting core electrically connected to a particular one of the second conductors; and is also provided with
Wherein the mounting core is disposed within the sleeve to form an electrical connection therewith when the first and second connector portions are connected together.
13. The coupling device according to claim 12,
wherein the first housing comprises:
a first central hub defining an internal socket; and
a plurality of arcuate first structures defining an arcuate first space therebetween;
wherein the second housing comprises:
a second central hub;
a plurality of arcuate second structures defining arcuate second spaces therebetween; and is also provided with
Wherein the first bus plate is disposed in a first space of the first housing, and the second bus plate is disposed in a second space of the second housing.
14. The coupling device of claim 13, wherein the first and second bus plates are annular;
wherein the first structure of the first housing is annular and the second structure of the second housing is annular;
wherein the first central hub is cylindrical and coaxial with the first structure, the first structure being disposed radially outwardly from the first central hub; and is also provided with
Wherein the second central hub is coaxial with the second structure, the second structure being disposed radially outward from the second central hub.
15. The coupling device of claim 14, wherein at least a plurality of the first structures are double-walled to define a void therebetween; and is also provided with
Wherein at least a plurality of the second structures are configured to be received in the void of the double-walled first structure when the first and second connector portions are connected together.
16. The coupling device according to claim 14,
wherein the sleeve is mounted within the first central hub;
wherein the mounting core includes a conductive sleeve mounted on the second central hub, the sleeve being electrically connected to the particular one of the second conductors; and is also provided with
Wherein when the first and second connector portions are connected together, the sleeve is disposed within the sleeve to form an electrical connection therewith to electrically connect the particular one of the first conductors to the particular one of the second conductors.
17. The coupling device of claim 16, further comprising:
a floating cage secured to the bracket and having a base plate, the floating cage biasing the gimbal to a centered position in a horizontal direction; and
a slide plate secured to the gimbal, the slide plate being disposed between the base plate of the floating cage and the main plate of the bracket, the slide plate being horizontally and vertically movable relative to the bracket.
18. The coupling device of claim 17, wherein the gimbal comprises: a socket member having an internal socket;
a ball head member having a ball head;
wherein the socket member is secured within the second central hub and the ball member is secured to the slide plate; and is also provided with
Wherein the ball head of the ball head piece is movably arranged in the socket of the socket piece.
19. The coupling device of claim 18, wherein the floating cage comprises:
a plurality of first spring structures connected to the base plate and operable to bias the slider and the gimbal toward the centered position;
a plurality of second spring structures connected to the base plate and operable to bias the second connector portion to a horizontal position; and is also provided with
Wherein the first spring structure is located at a bottom side of the substrate and the second spring structure is located at a top side of the substrate.
20. A battery charging system for an electric vehicle, the battery charging system comprising the coupling device of claim 1, and further comprising a charging station having an elevator connected to the cradle;
wherein the first connector portion is mounted to a bottom portion of the electric vehicle and is electrically connected to a battery unit of the vehicle; and is also provided with
Wherein the elevator is operable to move the second connector portion vertically into engagement with the first connector portion to electrically couple the second connector portion to the first connector portion to electrically connect the charging station to a battery unit of the vehicle.
CN202310728620.6A 2022-06-21 2023-06-19 Electric coupling device Pending CN117276997A (en)

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US202263354139P 2022-06-21 2022-06-21
US63/354,139 2022-06-21

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US11196206B2 (en) * 2018-07-19 2021-12-07 Hirel Connectors, Inc. Electrical connector with field serviceable shell assembly

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